Phil Hudson does his fourth!

The members of Trinity Lodge No 3257 had something special to look forward to at Garston Masonic Hall.

Kevin Poynton (left) with Phil Hudson

Phil Hudson was about to take the chair of the lodge for the fourth time. Phil together with some of the other past masters had devised a schedule to give the junior members an opportunity to gain valuable experience on the floor of the lodge to enable them to progress into the more senior positions without undue pressure.

The installing master Brian McNulty duly opened the lodge and soon after Norman Houghton director of ceremonies entered and advised that Kevin Poynton, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by Howard Griffiths group chairman stood without and demanded admission. They were duly admitted were Kevin was offered the gavel of the lodge and having thankfully accepted it swiftly returned it to Phil stating he had come to enjoy the evening and he knew the gavel was already in very safe hands.
The installation took place with a faultless ceremony and Phil was regularly installed into the chair. The explanation of the working tools were meticulously presented by the immediate past master, David Buxton and James Hartwell respectively.

Phil then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers for the ensuing year. The addresses were given by past masters of the lodge ending with the address to the brethren given by Kevin.

At the conclusion of the installation Kevin delivered the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison and wished everybody well with a special mention to Joe Bould who had travelled from the Province of Guernsey & Alderney. Kevin also thanked the brethren for their donations toward the Masonic Hall Fund and also on behalf of the charitable donations which were given to the Masonic Charitable Foundation and the Friends of Tithebarn for the enrichment of someone whose life is less fortunate than ours.

Before commencing to the festive board Kevin requested everyone join him in a private toast to Phil and his installing officers which was met with acclaim. All brethren then sat to enjoy a hearty meal with excellent company and lively banter.

During his response to the toast to the health of the grand officers Kevin thanked Howard Griffiths (group chairman) for his invitation and went on to comment on an excellent ceremony in the lodge room and congratulated all those who took part; as well as those brethren who had received promotion to very high rank at the next Provincial Grand Lodge.

Kevin went on to remind the brethren that this year when celebrating 300 years of the formation of United Grand Lodge, we will without doubt have the best opportunity to get our message out about how we work and what we do for the charities and the community, also to encourage membership of our organisation.

In closing, Kevin wished Phil all the success and happiness for his lodge not only for the ensuing year but for many years to come and hope that one day in the future he may have the privilege of visiting the lodge again.